The University of Maryland Eastern Shore announced on Mar. 18 the launch of its inaugural Assistant Chair Program, designed to prepare faculty members for leadership roles within academic departments. The program began in October 2025 and will run through August 21.
The initiative aims to create a pipeline of capable leaders who can address the evolving needs of the university’s academic departments. Dr. Rondall Allen, UMES Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said, “The program is a unique one, especially among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to help develop the next generation of leaders.” He added, “This is also a great opportunity to help department chairs get the support they need in helping implement departmental initiatives.”
Members of the first cohort were selected by their department chairs and will serve between one and two years at their chair’s discretion. Participants receive a stipend and a course release for the Spring 2026 semester. The cohort includes 16 faculty members from various departments across UMES’s four undergraduate schools.
Dr. Amy Hagenrater was chosen as assistant chair in the Department of English, Languages, and Media Studies under interim chair Dr. Cynthia Cravens. Hagenrater said, “I’m touched to be considered for this. In our department, we pioneer creative areas in our discipline, and beyond that, in outreach in the University, and that’s the innovation we want to continue to provide.” Joel Tomlinson serves as assistant chair in Computer Science and Engineering Technology; he said his participation was motivated by a desire for more managerial experience: “This has definitely been eye-opening,” he said. “Being able to see some of the daily ins and outs and increased insight into departmental operations has given me a different perspective.”
Allen explained that his experience as dean highlighted the need for succession planning after facing challenges filling a department chair vacancy without an established process. He also noted that this new program complements an existing Faculty Fellows program focused on developing leadership skills among faculty members.
“It’s a component of faculty retention and leadership development, and I think it’s helpful,” Allen said. “It allows experienced faculty to get a chance to see opportunities to develop their skills and learn more about the institution from a leadership perspective.”
More information about the Assistant Department Chairs Leadership Program is available at https://wwwcp.umes.edu/academic/assistant-department-chairs-leadership-program/.
